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By Joe Wright

The Spain attacker feels the European governing body are punishing los Boquerones more severely for their financial irregularities than they would other top sides on the continent

Joaquin has slammed Uefa's sanctions against Malaga, claiming they would not issue the same punishments to the top sides in Europe.

Los Boquerones are currently appealing a suspension handed down by Europe's governing body - which bans them from one year of continental competition - after they were accused of "significant overdue payables", thought to be player and staff wages and transfer fees.

But attacker Joaquin believes the sanctions are too harsh, and claims his side are being used as "scapegoats" as Financial Fair Play regulations begin to come in to effect across the game.

“Uefa have picked us out to be a scapegoat, to make an example of. We are paying for the mistakes of others,” he told RNE this week.

“I do not believe that we are the first who have had payment problems. We have been treated very harshly. They would not have done this to a European giant of the game.”

Joaquin has been in impressive form for Malaga this season, with the club enjoying strong campaigns both domestically and in the Champions League, and the 31-year-old admits he would be thrilled to earn a recall to the Spain national squad.

“I would look to a return to La Roja. It is another thing, though, to be called. Hopefully I can realise the ambition of being there again," he added.

“Playing in attack now I have many more chances to score goals. My game has never been about that, though. But, while in that position I have been able to find the net more.”